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Much Ado about Mushrooms  by Kara's Aunty 6 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/22/2008
I just loved Faraamir here and Faribar's wonderful way with words is sheer delight

Author Reply: Hello Linda,

You know I've always admired Faramir and found to be vastly underused (in both the books and the films).

So this chapter gave me an opportunity to exhibit my good opinion of him through the cook (who is in full agreement with me anyway).

I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Faramir-lovers unite!!

M ;)

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/15/2008
Oh, I do so love poor little Farlibar, who has an amazing imagination for a hobbit! Although he'd probably be shocked to hear it--he is clearly given to such flights of fancy! *giggle* I really loved *his* version of Eowyn and Merry on the Pelennor! *cackle*

I really liked seeing Sam and Faramir coming to comfort him--both of them were so much in character! And I can't wait to see what Sam has in mind, soo...

I guess I will hit the "next" button...

Author Reply: Hello Dreamflower,

When Sam & Faramir caught the two pests running from the cooks' tent covered in flour, they probably knew they were up to no good - but had no time to properly address the situation. But when they found out from Strider that they were to help in the cooks' tent as punishment - only to have them turn up at afternoon tea, then they definitely wanted to get to the bottom of things!

Then Farlibar had that wee accident with the spiced loaf... so they went to find him after 'visiting' the cooks' tent themselves to speak to the other cooks.

I just love Sam and Faramir. So compassionate, such an innate sense of justice.

I'm delighted you like Flighty Farlibar (you're right, he is surprisingly imaginitive - certainly more than he gives himself credt for) and his version of the slaying of the Wizardking (sorry, I can't call a lad by a lass's title)! It was fun to write.

Thanks for the lovely review!

M :)

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/11/2008
Well, apparently Farlibar and Dreamflower's Aunt Dora have one thing in common: they speak (or think) In Capitals ;-)

I also love Farlibar's creativity when it comes to calling Merry and Pippin names. "The two Dark Lords" - oh my! He must have been really, really angry!

How could a King be a Witch? Kings were lads and Witches were lasses. It must have been a Wizardking that Mayor Sam was talking about.

ROTFL! I hope Farlibar does not take offense, but this logic is rather Tookish :)

I'm looking forward to reading more about the plan of the Mayor Whose Wisdom Was Endless !

Author Reply: Hello Andrea!

Dreamflower's Aunt Dora sounds interesting - I must pop over to her profile and look that story up!

Farlibar was (understandably) angry with the two cheeky chappies, but I think he may warm to them in the end...

I'm delighted you liked the 'Wizardking' reference because it's actually something I've always wondered about and it seemed a like very Farlibar thing to have him ask himself!

The Mayor Whose Wisdom Was Endless has a thing or two up his sleeve and I'm off to investigate them so I can pinch them for Chapter 4.

See you soon!


Maureen :)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/10/2008
Poor Farlibar--this is turning out to be too much of a day for the poor Hobbit! But vengeance shall be his, with Strider's help!

Author Reply: Hello there,

yes, he may well have the last laugh! But he won't be (too) mean about it now he's heard the others tales. I think knowing certain traits of peoples characters helps one understand them better. Slightly.

Thanks (always) for reviewing!


Maureen :)


CeleritasReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/10/2008
Word-pinching? I'm thrilled!

Farlibar as Creator of Epithets continues to amuse; I particularly liked the various puns on Merry and Pippin's names and titles!

It's quite hobbity how his estimation of how good people are is how they treat him--especially since he's still quite young.

And unexpected Faramir was very nice. I certainly hope that what he and Sam get up to will be enough to put Thain and Master in their places! *rubs hands together with glee*

And I do hope Farlibar will get a bit of understanding for other people. I have this amusing mental picture of the him, twenty years later, knowing exactly what Merry and Pippin are like and thus dishing it out twice as much sauce (pun intended) as they do!

Author Reply: Hello Celeritas,

I'm thrilled you're thrilled (about the word-pinching)! It's such a deliciously descriptive word isn't it?

Yes! Farlibar does have a rather blinkered view of life and (sometimes) likes/dislikes people based on his treatment at their hands. He's young and obsessed with cooking more than socialising, so doesn't have much experience with other hobbits unless it's his employer (whom he worships) or customers passing an opinion on his skills.

IMHO he needs to get out more, but you know how odd artistes can be sometimes; it may take a while yet to realise there are other joys in life than work and the admiration of customers!

But his epithets are priceless (cheeky hobbit!). If Merry & Pippin knew half the things he'd called them! I am sure, though, that all three will come to some sort of accord (voluntarily or otherwise). But the journey to that point in time is fun to explore and the punishment of the two Knights will be a fitting one!

See you soon.

Maureen :)


AntaneReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/9/2008
Okay, maybe, I will like Farlibar again. I love his reaction to Arwen's beauty - of course, he would think in terms of food! I love also his thinking of Faramir with all those fancy titles and I will make one myself since I enjoyed seeing The Hobbit in a Man's Skin.

Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)

Author Reply: Hello again Aunty,

You see? Farlibar's not a bad wee soul (just a tad defensive when it comes to his food).

And I can't tell you how much fun it was to put Faramir (whom I also GREATLY admire) in this chapter along with my beloved Sam. Actually, Faramir and Sam are a good combination of friends (I've always thought): The unloved younger son of the Steward and the grieving (for his brother) gardener (Stop it Maureen! You'll make yourself cry, you idiot!)

Okay, now I've composed myself, I can tell you how much I laughed at the thought of (skinny) Faramir as a Hobbit! But you're right: he does have the humility, grace and goodness of a hobbit (at least the hobbits we love), so it is a good comparison!

Right, I'm off to finish my morning coffee. Thanks as always for the review!

All the best (always),

Maureen :)

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